Arcos Cielos Research Center

Researchers in Canada’s Nunavut Territory have discovered a unique methane-eating bacteria in highly saline Lost Hammer Spring. The subzero water is so salty that it does not freeze despite the cold weather conditions there, however a unique species of methane-producing bacteria exist there, which seem to be thriving in this extreme super-saline environment. These unique anaerobic organisms apparently survive without oxygen by consuming methane and probably breathing sulfates instead of oxygen.

Recently, it has been discovered that Mars has both frozen water and methane in certain locations. Photos taken by the Mars Orbiter show the formation of new gullies, but there is no present explanation as to how these areas are being formed. One answer to this riddle might be the existence of springs like those in Canada’s Nunavut Territory. The Lost Hammer Spring is one of the most extreme environments on earth, and provides a biological and chemical model for possible survival parameters for similar bacteria on Mars. To read the full story CLICK.

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